The Women’s Shed… without a proper shed

Regan Kelly

With a backdrop of the Jealous Wall, Belvedere House and between the lake and the visitor centre, Westmeath Women’s Shed have one of the most scenic locations in the county as their base.

The Shed opened in 2022, though the group have been going since 2001, and in that time, nearly 600 members have passed through the doors. They meet every Wednesday, and new members are always made to feel welcome.

They aim to provide local women with a space where they can try new things and make friends in a calm environment.

Melanie Fox, founder of the group, said: “We have women here from all over Westmeath, and further afield, some from Enfield.

“It’s all about friendship and coming together, in a space where we can teach each other things that we wouldn’t know otherwise.”

Activities include day trips, gardening, making candles and craft work.

Westmeath Women’s Shed also put a focus on women’s mental health, valuing time spent together and taking their minds off the stresses of life.

Traditionally, Men’s Sheds aimed to help isolated men come together and talk, and the Westmeath ladies believe that the same thing is needed for women. One member said: “We just want to provide a safe environment for women to express themselves, and women are coming to Sheds for the same reason as men do.

“Just to do some simple activities, or even sit down and have a cup of tea, can do wonders for someone’s mental health.

“We should be given the same status as men, and the priority should lie with all Sheds, men and women.”

Recently, the group pooled their money to buy a polytunnel,where they engage in lots of productive gardening activities.

Unfortunately, that seems to be one of the only indoor spaces they can use for activities, as their Shed has fallen into disrepair and is currently used for storage.

That is causing the group some difficulty, as use of the polytunnel is limited, and depends on the seasons, and outside activities only suit the milder months.

Melanie said: “We pay rent to the council for our Shed. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to use it, as we have no running water, no heating, and the roof needs to be done.”

“It’s things like being wheelchair accessible – we haven’t got proper access for wheelchair users to come and use the Shed.

“We can’t invite anyone into the Shed, as we can’t even use it ourselves.

“Unfortunately, we lose a lot of members in the winter with the cold, dark days, and in Ireland, you can’t even guarantee to be dry.”

The group have use of a room in the visitor centre, but some members find it difficult to climb the stairs.

Even use of the Shed for storage is becoming unsuitable.

As Melanie puts it: “It’s frustrating, because the room is there, if we could just open the door and use it, things would be okay.

“Currently we have our stuff in there, like sewing machines and garden furniture, but a lot of it has started to rot and there are mice destroying everything, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Although frustrated with their current situation, the group remain hopeful. They adore their Shed area and dream of taking it to its full potential. Asked what the ideal scenario for the Shed would be, Melanie said: “It’s such a beautiful building, we would leave it looking the way it is outside.

“All we would need is to seal the roof, a little kitchen, a proper toilet and a small table for us to sit at.”

The group have been in contact with Westmeath County Council and are currently examining grant options.

A spokesperson from Westmeath County Council said: “Westmeath County Council has supported Westmeath Women’s Shed by providing the use of the Boathouse, welfare facilities and meeting rooms in the Visitor Services Centre on the grounds of the beautiful Belvedere House Gardens and Park.

“Westmeath County Council, in collaboration with Westmeath Women’s Shed, are exploring various suitable funding streams for the Boathouse, which is a protected structure.”

Although the group have been without the use of the Shed, they continue supporting each other, and one thing is for certain: Westmeath Women’s Shed will continue to provide a safe space for women who need connection, even if it is just through a cup of tea and a chat.

Those interested Westmeath Women’s Shed are welcome to visiting them at the old boathouse just down from Belvedere Visitor Centre, or follow their Instagram page at instagram.com/westmeathwomensShed.

Membership for the year is €50.